The Real heroes of India:

Azad-Hind-Fouz

Indian National Army

‘Let us create history, let else some will write about it’

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

I.N.A stands for Indian National Army, popularly known as Azad-Hind-Fouz formed during the second Great War with the help of Japan and people of South-east Asia to fight against the British imperialism in India, to make free India from the hands of British. Up to certain extent, they were successful; they entered in India, reached up to Imphal. But for the want of arms and regulations needed for modern war, air force, natural calamities and mostly the defeat of supporting axis power in 2nd

world war they were not able to progress further more. However, their motive was successful. Their patriotism played an important role to motivate the Indian people and leader for in the fight for freedom. Their patriotism change the way of thinking of worldwide people about the condition and thinking of Indian people. They proved that the Indian people not only knew how to accept death for their motherland but also how to killed people for protecting the respect of their motherland.

Formation and history of I.N.A

Through the I.N.A was formed during the 2nd world war, the thinking of planning such an armed force was much older. In India, first armed revolution was started in 1857, later national leaders like BAL gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Paul advocated about formation of armed forces for making India free. The thinking and planning of the great leaders implemented during the second Great War in Southeast Asia. In India through lots of people accepted the way of armed revolution from the very beginning of 20th centaury but they were not

organized as an army require to be. Rashbihari Bose, a great Indian revolutionary who left India in the year 1915 found a great opportunity in 2nd world war to give a last fight to the British since that time British Govt. and army was in a great trouble against the Jarmany-italy-japan army all over the world. He perused Japan for helping them in formation of an army to fight against the British who was their common enemy that time. Japan was agree to give him all types of help and declared their vision of making Asia for the Asians. ”Asia for the Asians, go home white” .Rashbihari Bose through an old man but at that time he was working like a youth, he organized the people of Southeast Asia in an incredible way. He used to say

I was a fighter,

One fight more.The last and

the best.

Japan Government kept their promise. They handed over more than 40000 Indian soldiers (working under British Government in the world war, arrested by the Japan during the war) to Rashbihari Bose, Pritam

Singh Giyani, swami satyanand Puri, N. Raghobon (Indian revolutionaries living in Japan that time) for forming an independent army as per their promise. The army was forming gradually for making their motherland free. There was no different treatment of human beings for

their religion. Their one and only identity was that they were human, they were Indian. When they were under British Govt. they were always ill treated, the British always follow the ‘divide and rule ‘policy on them. However, things were changed in I.N.A. In their words,” In India we have many religions and many gods. But here every thing is Jai hind” All was going very smoothly. I.I.L (Indian Independence League) formed in Japan played a prominent role in organizing people for I.N.A. but suddenly accident took place, Captain Mohan Singh and some other military person who were playing important part in I.N.A loosed their patience

And started creating pressure on Rashbihari Bose for allowing them for going war against the imperialism British army. At that, Japan Govt. was not ready to give full support to I.N.A; Rashbihari was engaged in diplomatic talking and meetings to get the full support because without the

help of Japan fighting against the British army would be a suicide. Mohan Singh and some other army officer left I.N.A and the Japan army arrested them. Mohan Singh was arrested on the 20th December 1942 and ordered dissolving the I.N.A were sought to be enforced. This incident brought a great obstruction on the way of I.N.A. Nevertheless, Rashbihari was not ready to give up, he started reorganizing the mentality and morality of the army men left in I.N.A.

With the passage of time Rashbihari grew older, he realized that it would not be possible for him to lead the army to its ultimate objective. At last, he decided to call another legendary revolutionary Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose lead the newly formed army to victory. Netaji Subhas was that time in Germany.

Who also found it quite easy to move the revolution from comparatively closer place to India like Japan. Via 3-month long historical submarine journey he reached Japan.9th February, 1943 Subhas started from Germany and reached Japan on 6th may. Through Subhas reached in Japan but many people including the Japanese officers were dreadful about the meeting of Subhas and Rashbihari

Bose. Both Subhas and Rashbihari had played important role in the freedom movement of India, both were great leaders, there might be complexities in their meeting. But all proved wrong, Subhas and Rashbihari both the two great son of mother India had great respect for each other. They had only one goal in life to see their motherland free and nothing was more important than that. It was immaterial for them that who was working under whom. Subhas reached Singapore on 2 July 1943 and on the 4 July 1943 at a great conference of Indian delegates from all over East Asia. Shri Rashbihari Bose handed over the leading power of I.N.A to Subhas Chandra Bose.

A new chapter was started in I.N.A. Subhas Chandra Bose from 25 August, the greatest patriotic leader ever produced by India was in command of I.N.A. He encouraged the army men in a great way. With his arrival on the scene the whole prospective changed, as if by some miracles. The millions of people in southeast Asia at once felt that the man of the Hour had come for their deliverance and their enthusiasm burst in a volcanic eruption.

The formation of the Indian National Army was announced to the world in due course and Indian youths; Hindu, Muslim and Christian began to rally round its banner in ever-increasing numbers. It represented all the provinces of India and soon its number swelled to 1500 officers and 50000 other ranks. The following pledge had to be signed by each member of the army:

“I hereby voluntarily ad of my free will join and enlist myself in the Indian National Army. I solemnly and sincerely dedicate myself to India and hereby pledge my life for her freedom. I will serve India and the Indian independence movement to my fullest capacity; I will seek no personal advantages for myself. I will regard all Indians as my brothers and sisters without distinction of religion, language or territory.”

He removed the communal thinking among the army men from the grass level. Subhas had a dream to form an armed force to give an ultimate fight to British imperialism and now he got the much-desired armed force. And the army men of I.N.A found a dynamic leader in him after Rashbihari Bose. Both were encouraged by each other in a great way. There was no difference treatment for anyone in I.NA irrespective of his or her religion, age, sex. Example of Subhas Bose the supreme of the army can be given who used to take the same food as the other army men. They were working like a unit, a family consisting of father, mother, brothers and sisters for to achieve the glory, to make their country free.

In the words of Major Shah Nawaz Khan,” it is on account of these facts that we of the Azad Hind fouz refuse to believe that it is not possible for all Indians to unite and live together like brothers and sisters and work for creation of a great, free, and united India.”

‘As soldiers, you will always have to cherish and live up to the three-ideals of faithfulness, duty and sacrifice. Soldiers who always remain faithful to their nation, who are always prepared to sacrifice their lives, are invincible.

If you, too, want to be invincible, engrave these three ideals in the innermost core of your hearts’

Netaji’s speech for his army men.

The main factor working behind the success of I.N.A beside the dream to serve motherland was the love of leader towards his co-coordinators and the respect for leader in the eyes of co-coordinators.

Netaji used to say,”let us create history, let else someone will write about it”.

The marching song of The I.N.A was:

Kadam Kadam badhaye ja.Khusi ka git gaye ja;Yeh zindegi hai kom ki,Tu kom pai lutaye ja !Tu sher-e-Hind age badh,Marne se fir bhi tu na dar;Josh watan bodhaye ja !Teri himmat badhti rahe !Khuda teri suntan rahe;Jo samne tere chade,To khak men milaye ja !Chalo Dilli pukarke,Komi nishan sambhal ke Lal kile gadhkeLahraye ja,lahraye ja !

Priory a good number of men in I.N.A was afraid about the future of them. Would they need to work

under japaneese order in the fight against the British? Would Japan replaced the position of British and again start their imperialism in India? But after the arrival of Netaji there was no as such question in their mind. They were taught that after the fight against the British if requires they would fight against the Japan army to protect the pride o India. The officer who had left I.N.A with Mohan Singh was called back again. Most of them returned after hearing such a heartily call.

Every army needs a huge amount of funds for their maintenance and their various types of expenses. I.N.A also needed it.

Understanding it, Japan came with monitory support. But neither Netaji nor the other officers of I.N.A wanted to continue their movement dependent on foreign help. They started collect funds from the people of South-east Asia. People gave an incredible response. In the words of Shah Nawaz Khan, “ A large number of Indians(not only Indians but also from the other countries)among who were included members of almost every community, give their all to the Azad Hind Fouz and became ‘fakirs’ for the sake of their country. Whole families joined the I.N.A. the father joined the I.N.A ,mother Rani of Jhansi Regiment and little children Balsena.Koro sob nichawar, Bono sob Fakir was the slogan of Netaji gave them and men like Habib Betai, khanna and numerous others willingly gave all their fortunes amounting to several lakhs to the Azad Hind Government and became fakirs. A total sum of 20

crores was collected and deposited in the Azad Hind Bank Rangoon.”

Every man is patriotic. But there need an incident to awake the patriotism in him. The activities of Azad-Hind-Fouz and their leader Subhas being worked as the required incident, which flame the fire on them. Description of many incidents can be illustrated so to show the feeling of people for the Azad-Hind-fouz. (Later British Govt. said that Subhas and his armies via the way of looting poor people collected their required fund). Let us examine the true from the incidents given below:

In the words of Shah Nawaz Khan, “After Netaji had finished his speech; he made an appeal for funds. Thousands of people came forward to donate. They formed a queue in front of Netaji, each one coming up on his turn, handed over his donation to Netaji and left. Most of the people who formed queue were donating large sums. Suddenly an old woman, very poor laborer goes up to the stage. She was in tatters and had even no cloth to cover her hand. With abated breath, all of us watched her. She took

out three rupees notes and offered them to Netaji, Netaji hesitated. She said Netaji ‘Please accept this. This is all I posses.”

Habib Sahib, the famous businessman of south-east Asia gave a total sum of 1 crore and 3 lakhs and in return he took one uniform of Azad-Hind-Fouz for himself and permission of serving it.

When the milkmen heard the call, they gave their everything, after sometime they returned with thousands of cattle. They said that they want to give everything for the movement. Everything means everything they had. So they brought their cattle too.

A young boy suddenly came to Netaji’s office and said he want to see Netaji. He was allowed to go inside and gave a donation of 5 lakhs. He didn’t tell his name. His goal was to see Subhas and helped the Azad-Hind-fouz with what he had and nothing else.

At that time, it was said that the power of British emperor depends on Indian army. But out of fear that one day the Indian army might stand against them, Indian army men were not given training required for modern war, they were not promoted from their post; they were treated in a different way on the basis of their religion. But here every thing was changed. Army men were given modern training, post depending on their performance. All were allowed performed their religious work but there were no deference in treatment. Religions had made differences among the men under British but here the same factor was united them with each other. It might e the first time in the history of India when Hindus were in hand with Muslims entered mosaics and in the same way, Muslims with Hindus entered temples. Mahatma

Gandhi also accepted it and said it might the greatest work done by the I.N.A officers along with Subhas.

Jai Hind

The blind supporter of youth and its power Subhas then working for taking the reorganization of supportive nations for the I.N.A. At last, it was on 21 October 1943, the independent Govt. was formed in Japan. On 23rd Japan first recognized the provisional government of free India, on 24th Burma, on 27th

Croatia , on 29th Germany, on 1st November Manchuk and nanking Govt. of china, 9th November Italy, then Philippines and lastly the Thailand.

Congratulations were given by De.valera, the famous freedom fighter of Ireland. The I.N.A Govt. was formed on 21st.

The list of the ministers was as follows:Subhas Chandra Bose: president, prime

minister, war and foreign affair minister. Captain Laxmi Swaminathon: women’s organization.

S.A. Ayer: publicity and propaganda Lt. Col A.C. Chatterjee : FinanceA.M. Sahay :secretary(with ministerial rank)

Rashbihari Bose: supreme Advisor

Other advisers were Korim Goni, debnath Dass, D.M. Khan, A. yelllappa, J. thivy, Sarder Ishar singh.

A. N. Sarker: Legal advisor.Army representatives were Cal. J.K. Bhonsle,

Lt.cal aziz Ahmad, Col M.Z kiani, Lt cal. A.D Loganathon,Lt. cal. Ishan Quadir, Lt. col. Shah Nawaz khan,Lt. col. N.S.Bhagat, Lt. Col. Guljara Singh.

I.N.A ministers

In I.N.A, a division was there for women, priory women were playing role of nurse but now they were also in battlefield. Netaji wanted a direct participation of the girls in the up coming war; he called girls to participate in the war. Who would

ignore such a hearty call, a call to free their motherland? Girls from all the community including from conservative Muslim families and Anglo-Indians families also participated in it. The name of division was Jansi Rani Fouz. The girls and women were mentally and physically ready to support their brothers in battlefield directly.

During training season

In addition to Jhansi Rani Regiment, there was also ‘Balak Sena’ formed by the boys and girls of age 12-18 years. Who off and on march through crowded street and thick jungles ad formed a sort of rear-groud of the Azad-Hind –Fouz, It also presented a model of the future free India Army. The courage and every Indian heart with pride. It has been reported that a member of these ‘Balak sena’ formed a part of the Azad-Hind-Fouz’s suicide squared and in the capacity went to the length of lying down benath Allied’s tanks in the battle fields of Burma with mines tied up with their backs with a view to blow up the enemy tanks.

In I.N.A, there was not only arm training but also moral training, so that after freedom they would make a great India. Netaji Subhas gave strict direction that girls and women should be treated

properly, for them he was like a father. Many girls went to him and talked with him regarding various matters including family matters. He listened to them and advised them like their father. There was only one dream irrespective of their cast, religion, sex to see India free and one slogan “Jai Hind”.

Training of Jhansi Rani Regiment

On 23 October 1943 at mid-night (12-05), Azad-Hind Government declared war against the British and American army in Southeast Asia. It seemed that someone had awakened the all-Indian people in Southeast Asia form their long sleep. Some of them were crying in happiness, while some other celebrating likes a festival. After a long slavery, they were now on their feet. The next day, the president of provisional Government of Azad-Hind-Fouz Netaji Subhas in front of 50000 people declared war. The greatest patriotic leader got the great patriotic army there. With his

as usual confidence voice Netaji started saying,” The

British know very well that I say what I mean and what I mean I say. So when I say ‘war’. I mean war –war to the British-a war that can only end in the Freedom of India.” Netaji was very clear about the goal and the means, which would carry him towards goal. Now the every army men were sure that they would need to give blood to get their mostly desire free India. It might be the first time in the history when people were coming spontaneously to give their everything for the cause of seeing the country free in which they were not living. But it was Netaji Subhas and his patriotic army whose activates encouraged the people in giving everything irrespecting of their caste, religion.

The national anthem of the provisional Government of I.N.A was:

Subh chain ki barkha bares Bharat bhag hai jaga,Punjab Sindh Gujrat Maratha Dravid Utkal BangaChanchal Sagar Bindh Himala neela Jamna Ganga,

Tere nit gun gae,Tujse jeewan paeSab tan pae asha;

Suraj ban kar jag par chakme Bharat nam Subhaga,

Jai-ya ho, Jai-ya ho, jai-ya ho,Jai-ya Jai-ya Jai-ya Jai-ya ho !

Sab ke dil men prit basae teri mithi bani,Har sub eke rahne wala har mazhab ke prani,

Sab bhed-o-farak mita ke,Sab god me teri ake,Goonthen prem ki mala;

Suraj ban kar jag par chamke Bharat nam Subhaga,

Jai-ya ho, Jai-ya ho, jai-ya ho,Jai-ya Jai-ya Jai-ya Jai-ya ho !

It was written by Hussain, and also rewarded by Netaji a total sum of ten thousand dollar.

The activates of I.N.A was going in a lightening speed. On 5 November, in a seminar of east-Asian countries Japan announced that they would transfer the Andaman and the Nicobar Islands to the provisional Government of free India in a near future.

Training Season of I.N.A

Now the ultimate moment was appearing before all, they were preparing for it for quite a long time. The army troops were divided in mainly 5 groups. Namely, Gandhi Brigade, Subhas Brigade, Nehru

Brigade, Azad Brigade and for the woman members of I.N.A the Rani Jhansi Regiment.

There were another secret force was formed called Bahadur team, whose function was to enter India and get engaged in destructive activities against British Govt. and to bring the Indian armies(working under British Govt. who were that time 75% of the total British army in Asia) to Azad-Hind-fouz. Secret agents were sent to India for giving information from there; in addition to that, there was internal security system for keeping strict eyes on the activities of treacherous under (Debnath Das was in charge of it). The reconstruction department, banks, army hospitals were also formed. Currency and postal stumps were also printed. Banks were formed to keep the funds of I.N.A safe.

Currency of I.N.A

Postal Stumps of I.N.A Government

Through Japan was the supporting nation of I.N.A but in war position of both the army would be same. Netaji assured it with Japanese officers, in the words of Major A.C.Chatteree,”The Azad Hind Fouz and the Japanese Army wre to be of equal status. Officers of equal rank were to salute each other simultaneously, while seniority of rank in each Army would be acknowledged by each other.” It was again after a long discussion with Japanese officers it was decided that an Indian would the governor the counsel formed for working on Indian soil (captured area after war with British).

Before going into war with Japanese, president of the provisional Govt. of I.N.A Subhas Bose in a meeting with Japanese General Kawabe took the following decisions:

1. The two armies would work on a common strategy.2. Officers and men of the Azad-Hind-Fouz would be

under their own military law (The I.N.A act) and not under the Japanese military law and police.

3. Liberated territories were to be handed over to the Azad-Hind-Fouz.

4. A definite independent sector would be allotted to the Azad-Hind- Fouz.

5. The only flag to fly over the Indian soil would be National Tri-color.

6. No indiscriminate bombing in Calcutta was to be carried out.

7. Any Japanese or Indian soldier found looting or raping any women was to be shot at once.

It was also decided during that meeting that both the Indian armies and the Japanese armies would salute each other, there would no difference in status between them.

One day while going to battlefront suddenly a British air troop attacked on the I.N.A men,2 were injured and an army person Jit Singh was died. Jit Singh was the first martyr of I.N.A movement.

On 27th 1943 November General Tazo handed over the Andaman and the Nicobar Island to the possession of the provisional Government of I.N.A keeping their words given earlier.

Indian National Army In the war, the I.N.A was divided in following ways:

1st Division-It was working under Major M.Z. kiani. there were three brigades was its under namely Gandhi brigade, Subhas Brigade and Azad brigade. Subhas brigade was leading by Major General Shah Nawaz Khan, Gandhi Brigade was under Col. I.J. kiani and the Azad brigade was under col. Guljara Singh.

2nd Division- It was working under Col. Aziz Ahmad (later under Shah Nawaz khan). There were also three brigades was its under namely 1st brigade,2nd brigade and Nehru brigade. 1st brigade was under the leadership of Col. S.M. Hossain,2nd brigade was under Col. P.K. Sahgal and Nehru Brigade was under Col. G.S. Dhillon.

3rd Division-It was working under N.S. Bhagat (later G.R.Nagar). There were also three brigades was its under namely 6th,7th and 8th brigade. Col. A.I.S.Dhara, Col. Gurumit Singh and Col. Bisen Sigh were respectively in charge of 6th, 7th and 8th brigade.

In addition to that there were command Groups. One of them was Bahadur Groups(Col. Burhanuddin was in charge) and another was Intelligence group(under col. S.A. Malik).

There was another team called Azad-Hind Team whose function was to inspect the administrative workings in the areas which would be captured by I.N.A in war.

In medical units there were Ali Akbar Khan, Hem Mukerjee, Col. Chandranath Chatterjee, Col. Nandi, Col. Menon, Col. Aamio Chakroborty and Major Gyan Dasgupta with other experienced doctors.

Rani Jhansi Regiment was also ready. Their duty was not only to nurse and serve the injured army men but also to take an active part in the battlefield.

On 4th February Subhas brigade started its Journey. The whole Brigade was divided in three groups. The 1st group was under te leadership of Major P.S. Raturi.The group would go from the way of Prom, taungup, maio, haung, kaulot, pwaltoa to kaladan valley. There they would fight against the nigro armies of British.

The 2nd and 3rd battalion under the leadership of Major Ron Singh and Major Podom Singh would go via Melinda, kaleowa towards haka and chin area.Through they had no improved arms and regulations, hardly any air coverage, less numbers of men but they had the most important spirit and confidence. They were progressing with one slogan given by their leader Subhas Bose “chalo Delhi”. A magical word, which awake them from a long sleep, which gave them courage to fight against much developed British and American armies. They refused to believe that they were weak to any power in this world. If a son can’t wait for getting weapon to protect his mother’s respect, how could they wait to bring in the respect of their motherland from the hands of cruel foreigners.

Moving towards battlefield

On the very date, great news came from battlefield. A team, which had gone earlier under L.S.Misra, made a great destruction to the British army in Arakan area. In the words of British army officer, ”the offensive in Arakan, launched on February 4th,quickly cut off the 7th Indian Division in the Mayu Valley. Among the reasons for success was the reconnaissance and subdivision of an Indian outpost position by Major L.S. Misra, the I.N.A commander in Arakan.”

The victory of I.N.A in Arakan gave a great joy to the people of Southeast Asia. It was celebrated like a festival. Netaji Subhas sent a congratulating mail to the commander L.S. Misra saying,” All officers and men of the Indian National Army and myself feel happy

and proud over the achievement of our troops at the Arakan front under your command.”

In the mean time battalion1 of Subhas brigade started their journey under Major P.S. Raturi’s command. They started from Rangoon, Rangoon to prom by train, then on foot 100 miles far thaungup, again on foot a distance of 15 miles to Miuhaung. The enemies passed sixteen army men away in bombing by the enemy air force. At once they to the near of kaladin river. They were informed that near there was a nigro division of British army. They showed great intelligence and bravery and destroy the whole division. After the war they came into kaladin valley, there they got information that near the area of their staying there was a whole battalion of army. They were taking rest in bankers on the top of the hills. Plan was prepared; they were waiting for the night. Taking the advent of darkness of the night, they all most quietly reached to the bankers and jumped into them. Then started wrestling with the unprepared armies, The battle was won by the I.N.A armies and when the enemies were trying to escape by ship they charge their machine gun,16 ships were sunk in the river. In this war, 14 Indian army men got martyrdom and 22 were wounded, 200 enemy army men were killed in this war.

Major Raturi, with his men giving a great fight to the British armies and forwarded 50 miles of area towards Indian border. Then he decided to take rest and reorganize the army men. They captured Paltwoa first and then Daletmi.

But the soldiers didn’t want to wait for a single second. In the words of Major General Shah Nawaz Khan,”soldiers frequently approached their officers and said: sahib, our orders from Netaji are that we have to hoist the Tri-color on Indian soil as soon as possible. Let us, therefore, not wait for any rest here.”

After Daletmi they proceed towards Moorok. Result was same, victory and victory. British soldiers did not afford the sudden attack and bound to leave the place. They also left their food items, arms

And regulations there, which proved to be a great help for the Indian armies because they did not have such develop arms in their hands yet.

But the place was dangerous for staying, realizing chance of danger the experienced Japanese commander suggested Major Raturi to left the place and made the camp in elsewhere since the British army might return again there at any time. ’impossible’ the first word of Azad-hind-fouz hearing the suggestion of take back steps.” the Japanese can

retreat because Tokyo lies that way; our goal the Red Fort of Delhi-lies ahead of us. There is no going back for us.”

They were ready to give their life but did not want to retreat at any means. However, thinking about the supply line Major Raturi with his main army men left the place but they were not ready to loose the control of the place, which they achieved after spending a lot of bloods and swats. A small group of army stayed there under captain Surajmol to keep the control of the place. Japanese who are said to the bravest army in this world were also astonished by the decision of the Major of I.N.A. Japanese love bravery. Giving respect to the brave army men stayed there, the Japanese commander also kept a platoon army there. They would help the Indian army in protecting the control of this area and work under the Indian commander. Through the incident was small but it had its historical value.’ It was probably the first time in the history of the Japanese army that troops had been placed under command of a foreign officer.’

The continuous victories of Major Raturi and his team gave a great occasion to enjoy, celebrate to the Indians and proved wrong the Japanese who doubts on the capabilities of the I.N.A. General Kawobe in his latter to Netaji Subhas accepted the misjudgment and said ,” Your Excellency, we were wrong. We misjudged the soldiers of the I.N.A. We know now that they are no mercenaries, but real patriots”

After Subhas brigade, it was the time for Gandhi brigade to take participation in the war. Major M.Z.kiyani was in charge of the division, under his instruction the responsibility of leading Gandhi brigade was vested upon his cousin Col. I.J.Kiyani. The enthusiasm of the Gandhi brigade was great which also increase up to a great in the presence of President Subhas .Via train they reached Mandalay. After that, they started their journey on foot. It was a very tough

journey almost impossible. But it seemed nothing for them, because freedom of motherland was much more important than any sufferings. They were proceeding towards battlefield with one slogan ‘Jai Hind’. They crossed on their way big and deep rivers, horrible jungles, and high hills. However, nothing was able to break their spirit, their enthusiasm. ‘Chalo Delhi’ saying the words they used to encourage each other in this long and dangerous ways. Perhaps any army in the world history the longest distance passed in its way.

Entering India

On 22nd March General Tazo in his lecture said about his promise,” It is natural that all areas over which the Indian National Army marches within India, must be placed completely under the Administration of the Provisional government.”

Each of the army man was proceeding in a lightening speed, through they were fighting against thrice of their numbers equipped with developed weapon, air support British and American armies, they were like storm, it seemed nothing in this world could able to stop them. They were not equipped with improved arms and regulation but they were equipped with patriotism, respect, love.

Subhas brigade, Gandhi Brigade, Azad Brigade were moving in a lightening speed towards their goal. They entered India, now their next targets were Kohima and Imphal. The British army regiments like Royal Yorkshire Regiment, Durham light Infantry, Royal Scotts were trying every method to stop the storm, but who can stop the men who were working for their mother. First Azad-hind-Fouz captured G. T hills, after that captured the deputy commissioner’s bungalow. They were a terrible situation for the British army, at a time they were all in an area of 600 yards in length and 300 yards in breadth.

In the words of the I, N.A advisor Debnath Das in his book ‘Battle of Imphal: contemporary’,” The final onslaught on Kohima was then under the command of col. Thakur

Singh, Second-in-command of the Subhas Brigade. The tri-color Flag was hoisted on the mountains tops around Kohima”

In the mean time, Netaji Subhas transferred his office from Singapore to Rangoon, after capturing Kohima he transferred himself to Mimeo to encourage the army men more and more.Now the I.N.A was proceeding towards Imphal. There was a great concentration of Engo- markin army forces. They decided to attrack Imphal next.

Netaji inspecting the army trial

The bahadur group also started their work, entered in Kohima and started influencing local people. Telling their objectives, principles and trying to getting the local support. Good news came from Bahadur group, the local leaders like Koirang Singh (later became chief minister of Manipur in free India) and Nilmoni Singh (cabinet minister in free India) was ready to support I.N.A . Hearing the news of local support a brigade started for Moirang. There was a great gathering of the allied army, not only army from England and British Indian army, American, African, and Chinese armies were there. Another problem Of I.N.A was its long supply line, it was very difficult to maintain the supply line since the gathering of air forces in the sky was increasing day by day. But it’s seemed they were encouraged by all that problems.

They gave a great fight to the allied force there; fight with guns, wrestling nothing was exempted that day. Through there were very less in numbers but at last their mental power destroyed everything. The allied army men were running from the place like little children in spite of their great numberings and improved arms.

Chalo Delhi

On 14th April, 1944 Col. S. Malik, sector commander, Azad Hind Fouz hoisted the National Flag of India. In the words of the prime minister D. Ba. Mo, it was the burning ideology of Subhas Chandra Bose that after a long time that people of Southeast Asia started believe on their unity and were able to inspire themselves for the great fight against the British and American forces.

After Kohima, Moirang was also captured. Now the next target set was Bishanpur. It was all about the victorious I.N.A. Tanks, bombs can kill human beings but nothing can kill the spirit in human beings. Allied forces had nothing to do but to retreat and retreat. Bishanpur was alsp captured. Kohima got free from the hands of British. The fighting spirit of I.N.A not only afraid the Allied forces even the prime minister of Britain Winsten Chachil forget to take breathings who was also not able found any way to face the I.N.A.

He was asking for reserve forces frequently for saving the Imphal. But I.N.A left no way for the allied forces for entering Imphal. Hearing the great victories in Kohima, the people of Southeast Asia started celebration, their sons were victories against the British who kept them under their feet for a long time. Now it was their turn to give reply. The Japanese in Rangoon spoke highly of the I.N.A in battle, and

there were other reports of Kiani’s leadership and of the wonderful work of his men.

There left only 3 miles to reach Imphal. Army men were eager to overcome the distance and hoist the National Flag there. Actually, it was not the fight of allied forces and I.N.A but the war of rented forces and the patriotic sons of mother India. Rented forces fight for money where patriotic sons fight for the pride of their motherland. Not only in Imphal but also in every battlefield Azad-Hind-Fouz gave defeat to the allied forces. Example of klangklang battlefield can be given here where on 14th May with his team Major Mohomad Ahmmad reached. After passing a long distance of 20 miles, they reached a near place of the battlefield at midnight but it was almost impossible climbing the high hill but in that case, there remained only one way to reach the hilltop where a number of tanks were waiting. At last, they decided to take the way but the distance should be overcome silently because if they (allied forces) would come to know about the I.N.A then they would surely start their tanks, which might be brought great difficulties for the men of I.N.A. But in spite of great care the allied forces heard their sound and started firing from the top upon them. They got immediate reply from the Indian army; they also started fire in the reply. Some army men under the leadership of Captain Amrick Singh jumped into the trench of opposition and started hand-to-hand fighting with the allied army there. Through they were very few in numbers comparing to the allied forces but they were fighting like hungry tigers. The result was as usual, after a while it was found that the rented armies were running for their life. How can some goats fight with the tigers? In the next morning, the army men hoisted their tri-color flags there.

British Empire always found Indian army is loyal to them, how could they tolerate the disobedient Azad-hind-Fouz. In Mithankhunaow, the famous British army regiment ‘Sea-fourth-highlander’ came with a view to destroy the Azad-hind-fouz camps there with greater army support and

more improved arms and regulations. On the other hand Lt. Ajaib Singh was also ready with his team, he ordered his men to take position in trench as soon as he saw the British forces. As the British army came to their reach, they attacked them. The rented force with their improved arms and regulations escaped for their life from that place. But the British army attacked again with mortar and tanks but result was same, ‘successful retreat’. In this way, they tried thrice but every time they bound to show their back. Now the ‘Sea-fourth-highlander’ regiment force came with more than 3 thousands trained forces with more tanks and bomber plains. While there were only 600 Azad fouz, some of them was again seriously wounded. It was almost impossible to fight in such a condition.

At beginning, the I.NA was in great trouble. The highlanders surrounded Captain Rao with his team. Col. I.J kiani was also in a same condition. In that condition there was only way of surviving was to climb the reach the hilltop and counter attack the highlanders from there which was seemed almost impossible. But who would stop the boys fighting for the pride of their motherland. Lt. Mansuklal with his 30 men did the impossible work. They reached the hilltop with great efficiency but unfortunately, Mansuklal was badly wounded with 13 bullets in his body. Through his body was wounded but his mind was still fresh,it was not ready to give up to the enemies, when he found his army was at a loss finding him wounded, he stood up on his feet and charge his gun on the enemies saying ‘Jai Hind’,’ Netaji zindabad’. That worked like a tonic. In I.N.A, the most important thing, which was working that, was brotherhood. Finding Captain Rao in trouble, Lt. Ajaib Khan without thinking about himself counter attacked the highlanders with his men. Result was shocking. Now the army men of I.N.A. surrounded the complete British regiment. The hungry tigers found the taste of blood; the whole battlefield was filled with the blood, dead bodies, wounded bodies of British armies.

In the mean time soldiers of Jhansi rani regiment eager to take direct part in war gave a latter to President Subhas saying ‘It is you who taught us there is no distinction between men and women. It is you who gave us training fit for men-folk, have inspired us with courage and moral stamina required for actual welfare. We have received complete military training. In these circumstances why should we not be sent to battlefront? It is our prayer that we be sent to the front without delay.’

Now they the received the latter of order to take active part with their brothers in war. Since the participating in a direct war is always a difficult job, they were alerted a number of time. It was a difficult work for the women to stay in the battlefield, but their patriotism managed all. In the darkness of 3’ o clock in the night, they started their journey to the battlefield. Each of woman were very alert, with almost keeping silence they reached a place near a hill and ordered to take position. They found that the British army regiment was staying a place at a distance of mile from there. Finding the enemy from such a close distance they were eager to attack them and waiting for the order of attack. As soon as they got the order, each of them became almost a firing machine. In the battlefield, they were progressing like a storm. The British regiment was not able to protect themselves from such a sudden attack and after a while surrendered themselves to the officers Rani Jhansi regiment. The girls won the action.

In the mean time, Azad-Hind-fouz also captured some area from the allied forces in a lightening speed. On 20th March Taungjon, on 21st Ukrul, on 22nd Tiddim and Moolon, on 25th March Sanghak, on the 31st Morse, On 1st April Tamu and kabau, on 5th April Hangtam , on 8th April Kohima(mentioned above), on 14th Moirang, on 20th April paletoa and tangonpal. Again on 7th May another regiment of Azad-Hind-Fouz entered into the border of India attacking from the south side.

General Chatterjee took the responsibility of the administration of captured area of India. The local people gave the name of ‘Noi sarkar’(means new government)

Now the problem was for the army men of I.N.A was its supply line. Since it was very long, so it became very difficult to maintain it from the air attack of allied forces, in addition to that there was a great problem regarding food needed for the army. They were now depending on only rice and salt, supply of which was very poor to the soldiers. The local Naga people specially King Kolbel of saikot Village came forward to solve the problem. In spite of their great trial, the situation got hardly any improvement. There was thousands of army where as the naga people were also suffering from food problem.

In the mean time Netaji Subhas entered into India, He visited Basudebpur, Churachandpur, Saikot villege. He came to India after a long time (since his disappearance from his house on 17th January, 1941 he never came to India), he was very happy to got in touch with his motherland.

However, in the Imphal battlefield there was great war between I.N.A and the allied forces. One was fighting for the pride of their motherland and another was fighting to save their emperor. The allied force was surrounded by the I.N.A

that time. Subhas brigade under the leadership of Major General Shah Nawaz Khan siege the kohima road, Bahadur group was protecting th Bishanpur-Moirang sector, in Palettamu road Major General M.Z. Kiani with his division and on another side His cousin I.J. Kiani with his Gandhi regiment was fighting with the allied forces. Through the allied forces were surrounded from all the side they refused to surrender. So the war continues, through the I.N.A was geographically in a sound position but the allied forces had a batter weapon and utmost important abundant food supply.

In spite of the great sufferings due to lack of food supply and ammunitions I.N.A gave a great fight to the English- American forces. From a latter of G.S.Dhillon written on 9th April,1945 exhibited later in famous red fort trial we can draw a batter picture of the bravery of the members of I.N.A during the war.

“It was a flat stretch of land without any cover either from view or from fire, except a shallow dry pond near which three roads of great tactical importance met. Four miles north-west of this point was a hill 1,423 feet high behind which the enemy Artillery was located so to cover the road junction and the area south of it, the occupation of which would effect the entire plan of operations.

At a key-point like this was placed a company of Azad Hind Fouz under the command of 2-Lt.Gian Singh Bisht trained at the officers Training School, Azad Hind Fouz. The company was only ninety-eight strong. They had no Machine-Guns or even Light Machine-Gans. Good old Rifle were their only weapon of defense or offence apart from two A/Tk. Mines. Their orders were to check any enemy advance at all costs.

They remained in that position for two days, but the enemy dare not advance. Then on 16th of March,1945, starting early morning hostile Fighting Planes bombed and machine-guned their positions until about 11 a.m. Having

got rid of all the load they had, aero planes went away. Then the enemy guns from behind the hill started registering, and behind this barrage of Artillery fire advanced a column of Motorized Infantry consisting of 12 tanks, 11 armored cars and 10 trucks. Halt of this column made its way straight towards the pond where two Forward Platoons of the Company were in position. Lead and explosives were being thrown out of the Armored Fighting Vehicles, but this would not frighten our boys, they waited in their trenches for infantry to debus. Tanks and Armored cars like steel monsters creating hell with their firepower approached so close that they started charging on to our trenches so as to crush and cripple our men under their heavy weight. Two mines were thrown in their way, which unluckily did not burst, but they caused monsters to stop which having stopped became stationary pillboxes oozing out most inhuman forms of killing materials.

There was no communications between this post and the Battalion H. Qrs. When 2-Lieut, Gian Singh appreciated, that their rifles fire was no match to enemy’s Mortars, machine-guns, light automatics, hand grenades and their staying in trenches meant certain death or captivity with no loss to the enemy, he ordered ‘charge’. Leading the assault he shouted slogans of ‘Netaji ki Jai’, ’Inqualab Zindabad’, ‘Azad Hindustan Zindabad’ and ‘chalo Delhi’. All the men responded to slogans, which echoed above the enemy fire. These was the only support which these heroes had against the superior armaments of the enemy. In the name of India and Indian independence they charged into the enemy trucks. The enemy immediately debussed. Hand-to-hand fighting ensured which lasted for full two hours, but our heroes would not give in, forty of them sacrificed their lives after killing more than equal number of the enemy. Their unconquerable spirit harassed the enemy so much that he started retreating.

Just than 2-Lieut. Gian Singh called, forward this third Platoons Commander 2-Lieut. Ram Singh and was giving out

orders when a bullet struck on his head and he fell down never to give out order again. 2-Lieut. Ram Singh then collected the remnants of the company and re-organized.

2-Lieut. Gian Singh Bisht used to tell his man that he

would die with them, he fulfilled his promise and remained their comrade in life and death. This was a glorious deed of which the history will remain witness as long as there is world. 2-Lieut. Gian singh and his men lived “up to the ideals of our great leader-the Netaji” and have said down their lives fighting by their posts to build up a tradition for us to follow. In free India the spirit of those who knew no defeat will be worshipped for generations to come and will inspire the future sons of India to live up to such high ideals.”

Here Netaji Subhas was waiting eagerly to hear the news of his men fighting in the battlefield. On 6th July in a radio speech, he send the message to the Gandhi asking his blessing in the war against the British stating,’ Father of Nation!” In this holy war for India’s liberation we ask for your blessings and good wishes”.

On 9th July famous businessman of Myanmar Habib Shaheb was awarded with ‘Sebok-i-hind’ for his selfless contribution to the I.N.A movement.

In the battlefield I.N.A was fighting with a great enthusiasm, but in war with spirit, enthusiasm, arms and armaments are also needed. There was great gathering of British- American soldiers. Which the I.N.A needed that time

was air attack for which they were depending on Japan. They had also captured the most important airport. But that time they got the worst news that Japanese were not able to give air support them. The Japanese air force was that time engaged with a great war against Americans in Pacific Ocean area. It was beyond their worst imagination that like such an important time they would not have the air support. They could understand that they were in real trouble.

The allied forces was understood that I.N.A didn’t have any air support. The air ways were totally open for them. They started carpet bombing on the area captured by the I.N.A from fighter planes.

In the words of Debnath Das, adviser of I.N.A,” I.N.A Advance troops mobilized at Bishanpore were pounded by enemy bombers almost continuously-no fighter plane on our side to combat the enemy planes. Morning, the Headquarters of I.N.A Advances forces was enemy’s target.

The road from Moirang to Bishanpore –the only connecting link between the I.N.A Headquarters, and the Advance Forces was so heavily bombarded at ease by enemy’s B29 bombers to the point of softening the earth that it was not possible for our tanks and armored vehicles to negotiate the route”

There was a great lose for I.N.A. they loosed many army members, some of them were also seriously wounded. They loosed their connecting routes. Most of the armored cars, tanks were destroyed. But the bombarding by fighter planes can caused external damages, but who would give water to the fire which was burning in their hearts. If there was air support the result would be surely in their fever. Since there was no air support, they would need to continue their fight with what they had.

Now there started the dark history of I.N.A as well as the most glorious history, which is needed to know by every patriotic person in this world. The officers of I.N.A was then in a great tension, there was no supply of food, weapons for

the soldiers fighting in battlefields. Without weapon, a soldier cannot live but without food is there any one who can live? Though the Naga people were doing everything possible for them to continue the food supply for the armies, but it was much less than requirement. But the soldiers of I.N.A fighting for the pride of motherland had no complain for want of food or arms or armaments. They were fighting without food. But it was impossible to live without food, at last they decided to eat the forest grass available there. Today it might be beyond the imagination of people or army men of any country but I.N.A made it possible that time. Capitalizing the forest grass and water from waterfalls, they continued their fight.

An army member of Indian National Army named B.J.S. Garewal betrayed his brigade and joined the British with some very important documents including maps of the areas where army members were staying. In rank he was Major Commander of Gandhi Brigade, Another army member Major Probhudoyal also followed him. The result brought great disaster for the I.N.A member. Before getting the documents and maps, the British fighter planes were bombing depending on assumptions but now they got the accurate location of staying of I.N.A troops. They also came to know that the I.N.A members were suffering from a great problem of inadequate food supply.

The British officers took a new idea, they started distributing papers appealing the army members to surrender and taking various reward. On the paper the signature of both Garewel and probhudoyal was there so that the members of Indian army trust them. In addition to that they started announcing on mike the story of Garewel and Probhudoyal to break the spirit of the army members and to bring them in their army. But the plan of British officers was in Vail, no one was ready to leave his army. They started immediate reply to the announcement of the clever British with fire. It was much more honor for them to

carry on their fight in such an adverse condition than to join the British army.

In the battlefield, each of the army man of I.N.A was working like a machine. They used carry foods and other requirement of war from the bottom of the hill to the top daily. The hill was a vertical one having a height of 6000-7000 fit. They need to walk at least 16 miles daily with heavy belongings. Food supply was not regular there. Sometimes only rice and salt while sometimes nothing. In such a bitter condition, they carried on their war.

Abid Hasan was took the responsibly of Major commander Garewal. In later days he showed a remarkable way of fight under such a intolerable conditions which may be followed by any army person of any country. Netaji Subhas awarded him later on with ‘Sorder-i-Jang’ award.

The Great Spirit and unity of I.N.A members bound the British army officers to take a new plan. They understood through they had all the advantages for winning the war but at the same time the Azad-Hind-fouz was not trained to accept loss. Instead of accepting loss in the war, they would prefer to accept death. The only way to win the war for the British army was to go in a face-to-face war. They might be in great numbers and with abundant supply of arms ad food but they were afraid of the spirit and zeal of the patriotic Indian national army.

However, at that time the thing, which was most undesired from I.N.A side, was the rainy season. It is said that problem never comes alone. Here it was again proved. The rainy season started here two months earlier than average. I.N.A soldiers were affected by lack of food supply, developed arms and armaments but they overcome all the problem with their unbreakable spirit and great patriotism. But now they were helpless. Their food supply problem increased in a great way. Their arms and armaments were in not usable condition due to the rain. The heavy raining had been continuing for weeks.

Under such a numbers of great problems where living is almost impossible members of I.N.A did not retreat. They continued their fight. The senior officers were in a great tension. They understood in such a condition fight was not possible to continued for a long time. They ordered the army men to left the places. But the army men was ready to give their life but not want to leave a single inch of place they captured to the allied forces.

‘Our orders are to reach Delhi. That is what our sepahsalar Netaji told us. He has warned us not to retreat under any circumstances”.

In military, army men are bound to follow their senior’s instructions.’ when they received the order ‘Retreat’, there was general commotion. It looked as if there would be mutiny, because every one of them refused to obey the order.”

At last, the army men were ready to leave the places captured after seeing the instruction paper signed by their leader the great Subhas. Today India may have a more powerful and develop army force but in mental power and patriotism, the I.N.A was the father of the present Indian army. Before getting the order from Netaji Subhas, they were to disobey the order of the senior officers. They suggested that since that needed to sacrifice more than 27000 men they also liked to accept the death on that same place but should not give up their fight under any circumstances. The seniors officers approved it, but seeing the condition of the captured areas and I.N.A members one Japanese officers requested Subhas to give a strict order to bring the I.N.A member from such an uncertain and dangerous condition.

I.N.A armies started leaving the places captured by them. But such retreat was made in a honorable way. Col. S.A Mallick did not allow the national Flag to be dishonored by enemy. Before retreat the Flag was pulled down with ceremony and kept with all honor/.

It might be their last wish to leave India in such a way but situation bound them to do it. They left their motherland; all of them were in tears. It was seemed that the sky was expressing his sorrow seeing the sons leaving their mother. The retreat was made in a very dangerous ways. Neither the had food nor they had medicines for them. Number of army member died on their way in want of food and medicine. The condition was such dangerous that people started eating what they found in their ways, meat of died horses, forest grass. The army men were suffering from various type of disease like malaria,

typhoid. It might be the most uncertain way of retreat that cannot be found anywhere in the world history. They overcome more than 2000 miles of way under such a dangerous and live taking conditions.

All that was possible because of their love for country, duties and their

great leader Subhas. After returning Mimeo, the wounded and ill army men were taken to hospital. Responsibilities of nursing the armies were given to the women of Rani Jhansi regiment. The responsibility was performed in a great way. One of them named Bela dutta was performing the work of nursing in unbelievable way. She herself was nursing 85 army brothers. Later she was promoted by Netaji Subhas to the ‘Nayek’ post. The army men were come in around in a very faster way, presence of Netaji, nursing of Bela Dutta and other girls made it possible.

Success and the failure are the two part of life. None of them is permanent. The failure of I.N.A did not break the spirit of its leader and the army men. A number of meetings were held for ascertaining the reasons of failure. In that war, they were totally depending on Japanese for the supply of medicines and food. In the meeting the officers of I.N.A decided to shoulder the responsibility. A supply department was formed under the leadership of Shree Poromanonda. Major General Chatterjee was selected for leading the foreign affairs department. A new war council was formed with 12 officers viz General Bhosle, General Chatterjee, General M.Z. Kiyani, Col. Ajij Ahmed, Col. Ishan Kadhir, Col. Habibur Rahman, Col. Guljara singh, Shree Poromanonda, N. Raghbon, Col. I.J. Kiyani, Shahnawaz Khan and off course Netaji Subhas himself.

The preparation for war started again. Through due to rain they retreated but they decided to give the British a fight again. Under Netaji’s instruction the training camp were extended. People from various states were coming to participate in the war. Soon the total number of armies reached 50000. 2nd division was started in the mean time, now under Col. G.R. Nagar leadership the 3rd division was also formed. Till the end of rain it was decided that the head quarters of I.N.A would be in Burma. The various army regiment were staying in various parts of Burma(Mynmar). Subhas Brigade-Budalin, Gandhi brigade-Mandaloy, Ajad Brigade-Changnao, Base hospital-Mamio and manioaya.

On 21st September Martyr day was celebrated in Rangoon. The speakers in the their speech describe the various selfless stories of Indian revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Shukdeb, Rajguru, Jotindra Mohan Sengupta, Binoy-Badol-Dinesh, Masterda Surya Sen, Chandrashekhar Azad and the others who gave everything for the pride of their mother. Some of

them also told the stories of Indian woman revolutionaries like Pritilota Wadder, Shanti-suniti, Ujjola Mojumdhar, Bina Das. The story of the great hunger strike of Jatin Das was also told to the audience. The stories of selfless sacrifices encouraged the audience in a great way, it was seemed that the forget to breath. There was pin drop silence . At last Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose came in stage. In his speech he made a historical appeal to the audience.

‘Give me blood and I shall give you freedom’

There was a great response of the appeal. It seemed that the people got the massage from their God. They were ready to give their blood, their soul to their Netaji. “We are ready-we shall give our blood-take it now.”

Netaji Subhas warned them repeatedly that there might be a great danger waiting for them, so they should take the decision after considering all the prospects. But who would hear his warnings? They were ready to go battlefield. At last Subhas told him that they should sign the contract paper with their blood since it was not a simple paper which is to be sighed in inks. People coming to the stage like the unstoppable flow of river to sign the paper with their blood..

On 18th December there was tremendous fighter plain attack on the Mamio town. There was no doubt that Netaji and the I.N.A were the main targets but fortunately, the operation was unsuccessful. The area in which we had gathered the previous evening was raised to the ground but there was not a single causality. The camp of Rani Jhansi regiment was reduced to a mass of rubble.

From 18th October ‘National Government formation week’ was celebrated in Rangoon on the first anniversary of the formation of I.N.A Government. Thousands of people was gathered in Mingoladone to celebrate the program. The officers of the I.N.A including Netaji Subhas and the officers of Indian Independence League were also there. four thousand I.N.A voluntaries were marching. Suddenly the allied fighter plain attacked that place. They came very near to the parade area. The difference was hardly 50 to 70 yards. But neither the marching of I.N.A voluntaries stopped nor their supreme Subhas Bose moved fro his place for a single moment. They were ready to give their live but not ready to disobey the discipline. Even one of them was killed due to that attack the march was carried on.

The training period of the I.N.A voluntaries were going in a lightening speed. The officers of I.N.A were busy in collection of funds for their men.

Netaji Subhas also was busy in it. the people of south east Asia helped them in a great way. People who were not able to participate in the war giving everything, which they had. From Sumatra 10 lakhs dollars, from Malaysia near 90 thousand dollar was collected.

There was great sorrow waiting for the I.N.A voluntaries. Rashbihari Bose the great freedom fighter the father of I.N.A movement was suffering from illness for quite a long time left the world on 21st January, 1945. In Indian freedom movement, his contribution can never be expressed in a few lines. In the words of Thakin Nue( Myanmar’s next prime minister)

“If Netaji came out in the light as Garibaldi of the movement, Rash bihari’s part in the drama was more than that of a Mazzine.”

On 23rd Netaji Subhas’s birthday was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Rangoon. People decided to gift Netaji with gold equal to his weight. LATER ON MORE THAN DOUBLE, THAT QUANTITY WAS COLLECTED. On 4th February ‘military day’ day was celebrated in Rangoon. The four army person A.C Chatterjee , Vonsle,Kiyani and Loganathan was promoted major general. In addition to that A.C.Chatterjee was also selected as foreign minister of the provisional Government of I.N.A. Shahnawaz khan, Gukzara singh, Habibur Rahman, Aziz Ahmad, G.R. Nagar, S.A Alagappan was promoted to the post of Col.

On 6th February in a program organized in Bangkok people collected a great amount and later handed over to Netaji to the I.N.A fund Jagotram Chunilal, Choranjit Roy Narula, Mulamol Amarnath and other businessmen of Bangkok gave all what they had.

Lets go back to the battlefield. Now it was the turn of 2nd division to take active part in the battle. Col. Aziz Ahmad was the in cjarge of the 2nd division. Their target was to capture the various areas of Myanmar. The Intelligence group and the Bahadur Group was performing their role efficiently.

The problem was with the unfaithful people who betray in the battlefield. Now it was decided to give spiritual training to the army men also. Commanders were to certify as to the ‘spiritual fitness’ of their men before taking them into an operational area. Every soldier would be given the chance of staying behind if he did not think himself fit , and his doing so would not affect his military prospective.

In the mean time the war position took a great turn. The areas which was captured by I.N.A, now was under the Anglo-American armies. They crossed the border and coming towards the I.N.A. In this war the most

important role played by the clever American army who supposed to become the successive of the British empire.

In the air there was all about American war crafts. The continuous was going on from the American aircraft over the areas captured by I.N.A. again in Europe there was no more good news for the I.N.A. Italy was already loosed, Germany was also following them. In Asia, condition of Japan was also not good. The continuous increase in the armies of allied forces made them about to loose. In that situation, I was almost impossible for Japan to continue the long supply line for the I.N.A voluntaries and Japanese army men. All the bad news that could easily break anyone’s spirit not able to break the spirit of I.N.A. They were continuing their fight. Behind their unbreakable spirit was their deep believe on their capabilities, respect for their leaders and the most important love for their motherland.

In the mean time,2nd division was ready for their journey to Poppa hill area. Col. Aziz ahmad was in charge of that division . Before they start their journey, one day the bombarding of allied air forces seriously injured him. On the instruction of Netaji Subhas, Shahnawaz khan took the responsibility of the division.

During that time the bombarding of American air forces was common for the people of Burma. Local people, temples and other religious places, hospitals, schools, colleges, park nothing remain there which could not suffer from bombarding. It seemed the keeling of innocent people was the one and only aim of the Americans.

There was a hospital in Myang area. It was for the I.N.A persons who were injured in the war. The word HOSPITAL was written in the building in such a way that could be seen from the height of 12000-13000 feet. Red Cross symbol was also there in that building. It was the date of 10 february,1945, time was about 2’30 pm. Suddenly the bombarding started. It continued for a long. They continued bombarded on the hospital knowing it was a hospital and inside it there was only ill and helpless people. Out of 600 injured I.N.A men, 200 were passed away in this attack.

Now, the condition of battlefields becoming more complex day after day. The allied forces already captured Maladya. They were progressing in a good speed in south targeting the Eraboti River. At that moment the most important job of I.N.A members was to protect the Mcktilla, whose importance from war point of view was very crucial. It was one of the capital area of road transport and railway . if the allied forces take the control of that place it would be a real danger for the I.N.A members.

On instruction of Divisional commander Shahanawaz Khan, major Dhillon along with his 1200 credits of Nehru brigade went there to prevent the progress of allied forces there. It was almost impossible to protect an area of 12 miles with only 1200 army men who were also not equipped with required arms and armaments. But they were not ready to give up, whatever might be the result they would fight till their last breath. It was decided that with 7th battalion Lat. Hariram would proceed toward Nwangu and Lat. Chandrabhan with his 9th battalion cover the area of Nik pagan. And the 8th battalion would wait near the river as reserve.

The war was almost one sided from the point of view of arms and armaments. Against big and more destructive tanks, I.N.A members were fighting with light machine guns. There was continuous firing from both the sides, especially in the area of Nik pagan. Lt. Chandrabhan with his few credits were fighting in a great way. Lt. Chandrabhan had something in his mind. He was waiting for the allied forces to come in the target of their light machine guns. Whenever the allied forces came near the river he ordered men to charge the machine guns, as a result the allied forces suffered a great lose their in spite of having greater men power, develop arms and armament and food supply. The famous regiment of England, east lankarshay also suffered in the hands of I.N.A members there. On 12 February, night when the allied forces tried to overcome the river, Chandrabhan and his men attacked them and at a result, hundreds of allied army men were died. The great Chandrabhan perform his duties according to his word.

On 18 th February, Netaji Subhas himself visited painmana to inspire the army men there. On 20th he want to indognow with Major Shahnawaz khan.

At that time there came a worst news from battle field. The allied forces captured the nwangu area in spite of great fight of Chandrabhan and his men. The reason behind that was the conspiracy of Lt. Hariram. He reached the allied army camp with important document of I.N.A and as a result they came to know the plans and position of I.N.A members. At a last major G.S Dhillon and his men were bind to take back step.

Hearing the news of betrayal and its result, Netaji Subhas was greatly shocked. He gave every opportunity to the people who cannot afford the problems of battlefield to take back step. He declared, “Every member of the I.N.A officers, N.C.O. or sepoy will in future be entitled to arrest any other member of the I.N.A , no matter what his rank may be, if he behaves in a cowardly manner, or to shoot him if he acts in a treacherous manner”.

Hearing the mews of Lt. Harilal’s betrayal, major G.S. Dhillon was at the same time shocked and ashamed . he took the oath that till the last drop of blood exist in his body he would fight. He kept his words in a great way.

On 12th March, Netaji Subhas congratulating him in his latter said,

Major G.S. Dhillon,Jai hind, Rangoon

12 march,1945

I have been following the work of your Regiment and of yourself with the work of your regiment and of yourself with closest interest and I want to congratulate you on the manner in which you have stood up to face bravely the situation that is difficult . I want to express my complete confidence in you and in all those who are standing by you in the pres4ent crisis.

Whatever happens to us individually in the course of this historic struggle , there is no power on earth that can keep Indian enslaved any longer. Whether we live and work , or whether we die fighting , we must under all circumstances , have complete confidence that the cause for which we are striving is bound to triumph . It is the finger of God that is pointing the way towards India’s freedom. We have only to do our duty and to pay the price of India’s liberty.

Our heartd are with you and with all who are with you in the present struggle, which is paving the way to our national salvation. Please convey my warmest greetings to all officers and men under you and accept same yourself. May God bless you and crown your efforts with success.

Jai HindSubash Chandra Bose

From 15 to 17 th March Major Dhillon and his men showed the fighting ability in the battlefield which was later appreciated by the allied officers also. There was no communication system, no regular food supply, no needed arms and armaments, but they fought and the allied forces having all the advantages was not able to proceed any more.

On 20th March Major G.S sent his reply in which he stated ;

Beloved Netaji,Jai Hind, Burma

20th March,1945

I have received your latte5r of 12th March , 1945. Not words , only tears could express my feelings.

I think you with all my heart for expressing your complete confidence in me and in those who are with me.

I assure you, our Netaji, on behalf of the Regiment that it does not matter what may come out our way, we will continue the struggle according to your ideals and wishes to earn our motherland’s Freedom as long as a struggle soldier of this regiment is alive.

As for myself , my last words to you at Rangoon, “ Main aap ki ankhen kisi ke samne nichi na hone dungi”, have been ringing in my ears ever since I left you, and specially so after I came back from Nyaungu. I fully realize that in spite of reasons which may be produced , I have not only failed mo do what I voluntarily promised, but have been the only Regiment commander to bring humiliation to you and to the Azad Hind Fouz. I have no face to promise again, only my actions will do so.

Your latter has putted a new spirit into us.All the officers and men present here and I humbly and with warmest

hearts have accepted your greetings. We are confident that with God’s grace and you belongings it will not difficult to achieve success.

We all pray for your long life and health to guide us through this holy war.

Jai HindYour Excellency’s obediently

G.S. Dhillon

Col. P.S. Sahgal was then in poppa hill which had a great impotence at that time from the point of view of war condition. From that place, the I.N.A members maintained their water supply o a total area of 20 miles.

On 18 march, according to the instruction sent to him, he attacked Pipe bin and destroyed the camps of allied forces there.after that he with his men returned to Poppa hill.

On 20th March , he received another order to capture the pipe bin area so that Japanese army come to an advantageous position in their war with allied forces.

On 21st March, he started for pipe bin , with No.1 battalion. After a war of 2 hour he was totally within the capture of allied army, there was tremendous war between the I.N.A and allied army men. One after one a total of 14 bullets attacked his jip, but fortunately no one able to touch him. At last he came out from the range of allied forces which was once seemed to be impossible. But he had lost a number of important document relating to war, strategic papers, maps, which bound him to left not only pipe bin but poppa hill also. If they

stayed there and continued their fight it would be a suicide only. They returned to Legi.

Through I.N.A men were fighting with their greatest spirit and strength but it was known to all that within a short period allied forces would captured Rangoon. Netaji Subhas was then decided to sent the girls of Rani Jhansi Regiment with Debnath Das to Bangkok. Because he was in great tension regarding the behavior of uncivilized allied forces if they would ever able to capture the girls of the regiment.

On 29th according to the instructions the girls under the leadership of Debnath Das left Rangoon. There was all total 150 girls under their leader Lt. Miss Protima Paul. There was also hundred I.N.A men to protect the girls under the leadership of Captain Rawoyat.

There was no problem on first day. The second day when they were crossing the Sitang river suddenly the siren rang out. The allied air craft started bombarding over the area. The presence of mind of Debnath Das saved the men and women from any causality, through they loosed many of their belongings in it.

Now they were to go by train. There was only one railway carriage was reserved for them. Some how they managed to sit into it. But problem arises between the girls and men regarding entering the carriage. According to the girls since the men were to fight in the future they should enter first and girls would protect them. But the men were not agree with them, to them, they had to protect their sisters at any cost, they cannot leave them in front of any danger. At last, they were bound by their beloved sisters to enter first. How could they ignore the affectionate request of their sisters? The train started moving. All were waiting for something, which was most undesired at that time i.e. the attack from allied forces on that train. It was night then, because considering the danger of air attack from allied forces the train was started in the night.

Suddenly col. Rawoat who was on the roof of the carriage, found a red light signal near the train. Actually it was the signal of allied forces that were coming neared to the train. Lt . Rawaot alerted the male and female credits.He charged his gun and so as the others sitting near the door. Heavy firing started from both the sides. After a while when the train left that area, it was found habilder stela was passed away and habilder Miss Josefine and miss komla were seriously wounded. The next morning habilder Josefine also passed away performing his duties towards India’s freedom movement. To save the life of Miss Komla her left hand was cut off from her body.

Here war continued in legi area. From sky there was continue bombarding, tanks also performing the work for which they were formed. The

allied ground forces were also attacking the I.N.A members. At first they took back step, when the situation was out of control, second Lt. kanwal singh with his men started hand to hand fight . as a result the allied army men took back step then. But all afford was in vain , the continuous attack from air, ground bound the army officers to retreat with their men. According to the instruction, all started for poppa area. on 10th April, the divisional head office gave instruction to the officers to move to Magui-minbu-ianbuingui area since poppa hill area was not all safe. they were ordered to leave the place not at once but diving in a small teams because other ways they would easily come in the notice of allied air forces.

The I.N.A army men were leaving the areas captured by them for which they paid the life of their brothers, sisters, family men. The situation of the battlefield was very crucial. There were engo-markin spies everywhere; they had to move very carefully.

Now, Col. Sahgal took a new decision. In the adverse situation , it would not be wise to move with a big team. so he decided to divided the team in two group. The big team would be move under his leadership and the small one would move under Captain Bagchi’s leadership with 3rd battalion.

The two team took two separate ways. The date was 20th April. Captain Bagchi with his team was going through a open field. Suddenly they heard the sound of tanks. It was too late to make trench or neither they had weapon to fight with the iron made cars. Either they had to surrender o to accept death. It was much more prestigious for them to accept death than to surrender to the enemies. Captain Bagchi ordered his men to come forward and accept the death of brave. He himself first come forward with hand Grandees and attacked on the tanks. In his attack a tank was destroyed but soon he left the world . the other army men were also came down in this war of bravery with hand grandees and petrol filled bottles. One after one all followed their leader showing the rest of the world the way living with self-respect and patriotism.

The war position was totally now in favor of allied forces but the I.N.A army men was fighting with same spirit as the first day of their fight. The aggressive allied army was in tough fight in various sectors of Burma against the I.N.A men.

Suddenly another bad news came for the I.N.A members. The national army of Burma join the allied forces betraying the Japanese army. They started killing the Japanese army men making the war much more tough for the I.N.A men because they had to fight alone against the allied forces. But neither they

declared war against the I.N.A members nor the I.N.A declared war against them. Because according to President Subhas Chandra Bose, both Japan and Burma were their friends. In this war of Japan and Burma army I.N.A could not take any side but to stay neutral.

A part of the Burmese National Army revolted against the Burmese Government, fought against their own troops, the Japanese, and generally indulged in dacoity. It may by mentioned here, to the credit of the Indian National Army, that wherever units of this Army camped on their way to the fighting fronts, or established bases, the villages would, if they had previously gone into hiding in the jungles, for fears of decoits and other return to their villages, secure in the knowledge that they will be protected by the Indian National Army.

On 20th April 1945, Gen. Kimura advised Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose of his intension to withdraw from Rangoon. But Netaji flatly rejected the idea of withdrawal. In Burma that time 6000, I.N.A men were present. Netaji decided to continue their fight with the 6000 men if Japan takes back step.

Netaji told his intension to the officers of I.N.A to give the last fight here. But the officers were not agreed with him to them since th4e third Battalion was intact in Malay why should th fight for the last time here? If needed they would build a new army in Bangkok and continue their fight from their or from China or from Russia and all the work would be under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. At last Netaji agreed with them. It was also decided that the girls of Jhansi Rani Regiment would also leave Rangoon, the local girls would sent to their families very easily but the girls also would leave the town.

The 6000 I.N.A men stayed in Rangoon to protect the local people from the dacoits.

On 24th April, advance salary was paid to the league workers and they were instructed to return back home. But no one is ready to leave the I.N.A in such a bad time. They were ready to fight against any enemy rather to leave I.N.A vacant. The officers of I.N.A came and after a long discussion they were ready to leave the place with a promise they would be called again later in the holy war against the British imperialism.

It was very bad time for the Burmese Government. Thy even did not have sufficient funds to pay the salary of their army. Where as there was still huge funds in the hands of I.N.A, a sum of five lakhs of rupees were donated to the Provisional Government of Burma.

On 24th April Netaji left Burma with the girls of Jhansi Rani regiment and some male I.N.A members. There was a total of 16 cars,4 zip and 12 trucks. The Bahadur group under the leadership of Col. Raturi started their journey to Bangkok on foot. The distance, which they needed to overcome, was 300 miles.

It was very difficult to move that time from the eyes of allied aircrafts. At the same time, the allied forces were also coming neared withal their arms and armaments. At that time, the most important duty of I.N.A members was to secure Netaji from the cruel hands of allied forces. For that it was utmost important to protect the Pegu roads from the allied forces.

Major S.L Misra came forward and took the responsibility to stop the allied forces until Netaji cross the area safely. Through it was continuous bombarding from the allied air craft but that did not harm the I.N.A members except their vehicles. All eyes were then on Major S.L. Misra and his men. If for any reason they failed to stop the allied forces there, it would be great trouble for the rest. After getting the signal the cars were moving. It was all about bombarding, firing. In the words of S.A.Ayer, “Life and death lost all their meaning. We were alive at that moment but we were not sure that we would be alive the next” .

At last Netaji Subhas, General Chatterjee, General Kiyani, Col. Gulzar Singh,Col. Pritam Singh, Col. Malik, Col. Chopra, Major Swami, S.A. Ayer, Jhon.A. Thibi, Col. Raturi, Major Abid Hasan and others officers left the area. Major S.L. Misra had told that if required he would give his life but would not allow the allied army to move further in. He kept his words. At first he

contacted the Indian officer of opponent side and appealed him not to close the road. He remembered the officer that he was also an Indian and therefore it was his duty to safeguard Netaji and his men.

When the officer refused his proposal he challenged the officer to beat him and his men. The proud officer took the challenge in laugh but his laugh did not last long. Major S.L. Misra and his men showed him the value of words and till the last car of I.N.A went into a safe distance, not even a single allied army was able to come near the road.

Performing their duty towards motherland and their leader, one after one Majer S.L.Misra and his men accept the death of bravery.

The rest of I.N.A army men were moving under the leadership of Netaji himself. He was taking care of his men as well as encouraging them in a great way. He took the least rest among all of them. Netaji had very good intrusion capability which safe the Bahadur group from the tank forces.

On 26th April, in their way came the Owa river, there was no bridge over it. Japanese general Isodo requested Netaji to overcome it first, but he was ready rather he gave his instruction that the girl should overcome the river first and the male army men should help the girls. at last all of them overcome it safely . And after the night long toil, they were able to bring 6 trucks over the river.

In the next morning, allied aircrafts bombarded over the area where the I.N.A members and Netaji was staying. In this air attack they loosed their 5 trucks. In spite of all those difficulties, attack and major loses Netaji was still encouraging his people. In the night they again started their journey. keeping the car under Col. Chopra’s responsibility, Netaji move with Jhansi Rani regiment 10 miles towards Shitang river. Before dawn, they came over the river also. Next day, the heavy bombarding continues and due to that Lt. Najir Ahmad passed away .they were only able to brought Netaji’s car and a truck.

Now they were to move on feet. The road was all about muddy. Each and every person of I.N.A there was carrying his or her bag and baggages including Netaji himself. On their way there were always the possibility of get attacked from the allied armies. The female members were carrying more than 15 k.g weight each.

On 28th April, they reached a village and took rest, in the evening they again started their journey. Netaji Subhas was requested a number of time by Japanese General to get into the truck. But he refused and walked voluntarily with his men. At last on 1st May, they reached Moulmin. There by a train the girls started for Bangkok. Major General Chatterjee and Col. Malik Netaji stayed in Moulmin waiting for the Bahadur Group.

Major General Chatterjee and Col. Malik reached Bangkok with the girls at the time, there were no causalities on their way.

In the mean time, the scenario of war in Europe was also not good for the I.N.A . The German supreme Adlof Hitlar committed suicide, Garman surrendered. Here on 1st May, the allied forces entered Rangoon. the residential of Rangoon welcome them in a great way. In the words of Debnath Das.”When enemy troops marched through streets in Rangoon they heard slogans; ‘Inquilab Zindabad’, ’Azad Hind Zindabad’, ’Netaji Zindabad’ echoing and re-echoing everywhere”

The Indian col. Of allied forces was greatly insulted from it. To take revenge he ordered that the local people should repair their town themselves. The order was for also the I.N.A members atying there, Major General Loganathan who was Netaji’s representative in Burma protested and ordered that not a single Indian National Army would go for fatigue duty.

As a result the local people was also not agree to obey the orders. Realizing the aggressiveness of local people under I.N.A leadership, the colonel was replaced by Col. Thimaya, who was also later got the highest post of Indian army in free India.

One day, Col. Thimaya went to I.N.A headquarter to discuss with the I.N.A officers regarding their surrender. There he met with his brother Co. thimaya of I.N.A . the port folio of both the brothers were same, the difference was that one as fighting for the interest of the emperor of another country where as the other brother was fighting for the interest of his motherland.

Col. Thimaya of I.N.A gave the condition, fulfillment of which they only surrender. The conditions were

a) Azad Hind Government is a completely a legal Government. Therefore they should be provided with all the facilities of war criminal of an independent Government.

b) I.N.A armies would only go for surrender under Major General Loganathan when an officer of allied army having equivalent status come.

c) And if their conditions would not fulfill theywould like to carry on their fight against allied forces.

Their conditions were accepted. On the day of surrender, Major General Loganathon, Col. Arshad, Col. Thimaiya, Governor of Azad Hind Bank Mr. Vaduri were placed to prisoner-house.

Major General Shahzahan Khan, Col. Sehgal, Major Dhillon, Col. S.M Hussain, Major General Aziz Ahmad, Col. LAxmi Swaminathan were captured

in the battlefield. Chairperson of the Indian Independence League A. Ialoppa accepted the death of Martyr in a bomb blast.

History of bravery and honor was made by the credits Rani Jhansi regiment. The British notice was sent to every girl of the regiment. They were strictly ordered not to come in the uniform but in civil dress.

At the time of surrender, an army should come in his or her uniform. The girls were also army person. Maintaining the tradition, they came in the military uniform disobeying the orders given in the notice. The house in which they were to surrendered was previously an office of Azad Hind Government. A photo of Netaji was there. After entering the house, the girls found their Supreme Netaji’s photo. In front of the photo they stood in attention mode. They salute the photo as the military do in front of their head.

Realizing the bravery and spirit of girls, the British brigadier was at a loss for a moment. After some time he asked the girls why they came in military uniform disobeying the orders, he got the reply from a girl instant. She argued since they were the female credits of Azad Hind Government why they should obey such an illegal order. He again asked why they salute the photo instead of saluting him. The reply was that since the photo was their supreme Netaji’s. that’s why they salute them. And in future whenever they found his photo they would do the same.

The British Brigadier Mr. Loyder then said the girls to give a bond to him stating that they had not join I.N.A voluntarily. in that case no military punishment for them .but the girls refused his proposal on his face.

In the words of Laxmi Swaminathan,” The British officers were really surprised to find this spirit and many of them gained a clear insight into the true personality of Netaji after seeing the spirit of courage and sacrifice which Netaji had infused into the minds of these young women.”

Now the preparation had started again. Indian Independence league and the head quarters was formed again. The 3rd division was still intact in Malay. In the mean time the Bahadur group also reached Bangkok under the leadership of Major Raturi. Above all that, the factor, which shocked others, was the presence of ‘X’ regiment in Malay. Everyone took into consideration that the ‘X’ regiment was captured in the war of Pinmana. But most fortunately they were capable to reach Malay on foot overcoming a such great distance.

Later it was decided that the 3rd division would wait in the Malay to depend the area from allied force.

In the battle field through having a number of problem the I.N.A was facing bravely the attack of allied forces.

Germany and Italy already surrendered, Japan was also in a very difficult situation in the war that time. On 6th August, U.S.A attacked by atom bombs in one of the Japanese town Nagasaki. Lakhs of people died in this attack, millions of people was seriously wounded. On 9th August, they had done the same with Hiroshima, another Japanese town. The result was more dangerous than the previous one. The next day, Soviet Russia declared war against Japan.

The defeat of Germany, Italy, Japan was not able to break the spirit of I.N.A and its supreme Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. In the words of Netaji, ”Japan’s surrender was not India’s surrender. Japan’s surrender was not the surrender of the Liberation Forces fighting for India’s freedom. The I.N.A would not admit defeat.”

The I.N.A officers and Netaji himself moved to Singapore. Now it was clear that Japan would surrender at any time. There was continuous meeting among the officers of I.N.A regarding the future activities of I.N.A. the greatest responsibility was to carry the girls safely to their home. In addition to 500 girls there were also 45 boys of Balsena present there.

Mrs. Thabor, the commander of Rani Jhansi regiment in Singapore was given the responsibility to carry the girls to their home.

On 14th August, the girls of Rani Jhansi regiment organized a drama on the life story of Laxmibai, the queen of Jhansi. Their great and hearty acting bound the viewers to think beyond the war situation.

Netaji decided to surrender himself so that when the allied Government bring him to trial, would encourage the revolutionary people of India to fight against the British. But he ultimately change his decisions after a long discussion with the I.N.A officers.

On 15th August, there was all about rumors and rumors in Singapore regarding the arrival of allied forces there. On 8th July a foundation of a martyr

statue was formed in Singapore. Netaji Subhas did not forgot it. He called Col. Stacy and captain R.A.Malik. they came with the maps and diagrams. Netaji Subhas instructed them to build the martyr statue before the allied forces entered into the town. Col. Stacy was given the authority to build the martyr statue on the memories of the brave martyrs of I.N.A. It was then very difficult to find the labors and other materials at the time of war when any time the town would be sifted to another Government. But Col. Stacy had performed her duty. The martyr statue was built in Singapore. No one is permanent in this world, everyone has to left the world one day. But the person who accept death or a great cause he is said to be martyr. Netaji Subash expect that the Brittish would surely show respect towards the martyr of I.N.A. but he wrong,at the day of arrival of allied forces in Singapore, the statue was destroyed by charging dynamite on the order of Mountbatten.

Realizing the crucial situation of the war, it was then decided in the meeting of the I.N.A officers that Netaji should now go to Manchuria and then Russia to regulate the fight from there. Secretary of Azad Hind Government Anandomohan Sohai, Col. Habibur Rahmen, Col. Pritam Singh and Ayer would accompany him in his journey. Netaji selected Major General Kiani as the all in all of the I.N.A and Major General Vonsle as the president of Azad Hind Government in his absence.

Netaji with his companions reached sygon. There he met with Japanese officers and also the officers of Azad Hind Government for making the future plans. It is said that from sygon Netaji left for Manchuria, but due to the aggressiveness of Russian army there, he with Col. Habibur Rahman reached Formosa (taihoku airport) and in taihoku, on 18th August, he died in an aero-plane accident. However, the true is yet to unveil.

ARZI HAKUMAT-E-AZAD HIND

SyonanDate,16th August,1945

ORDER

During my absence from synon, Major General M.Z. Kiani will represent the Provisional Government of Azad Hind Fouz.

Subash Chandra Bose Head of the state

Provisional Government of Azad Hind Fouz

Most of wise men of this planet in that time was not agree with news of death of Subash Chandra Bose. According to Mahatma Gandhi, “I believe Subhas is still alive. He is biding time and will come out at the right time”.

The last photo of Netaji JAI HIND

Impact of I.N.A in India after their surrender

Here the 2nd world war came to an end. On 24th April I.N.A surrendered. It was decided that war prisoner of Azad Hind fouz would be sent for trial in Red fort, delhi.By July 1945, a large numbers had been shipped back to India. At the time of fall of Japan, the remaining captured troops were transported to India via Rangoon. Large numbers of local Malay and Burmese volunteers including the recruits to the Rani of Jhansi regiment returned to civilian life and were not identified. Those repatriated passed through transit camps in Chittagong and Calcutta to be held at detention camps all over India including Jhingergacha and Nilganj near Calcutta, Kirkee outside Pune, Attock, Multan and at Bahadurgarh near Delhi. Bahadurgarh also held prisoners of the Indische Legion. By November, around 12,000 INA prisoners were held in these camps, from which they were released according to the "colors".By December, around 600 whites were released per week. From

amongst the rest, the selection for those to face trial started. In the ean time member of I.N.A was brought to Delhi from Germany which was formed by Netaji previously. The trial would be continue in installments. It was decided that in first trial of I.N.A, Major General Shahnawaz khan, Col. Sahgal, and Major Dhillon would sent.

In the words of Major G.S. Dhillon,” Under those circumstances the British Government’s decision to put on trial three I.N.A. officers – a Muslim, a Hindu and a Sikh, was a blunder.  The Indian public were yet in the dark about us and our actions,.  Actions which were noble, nationalist, according to civilized rules of international war, and for the liberation of our mother land.  The British were determined to teach us a lesson and we were determined with unity and faith to sacrifice our life to pay the price of India’s liberty.”

More than 12000 I.N.A members and 300 credits of Rani Jhansi regiment were captured during the war. The date of trial of the three I.N.A officers was declared on 5th November.

The whole India was shocked by the news of trial of the three officers. British wanted to frighten the country by punishing the three officers relating to the three major religions of India. But they were false, the country was awakened from her torpor to hear a unique of the fight for her freedom which had taken place beyond her borders and about which nothing was known until very recently.

The whole country protested the trial one for all. They did not want that any punishment should be given to the I.N.A army men since they were fighting for their country. The common people of India never came into know the existence of such a patriot force until the end of war, but now things were changing. The story of entry of I.N.A in India borders spread throughout the country, it was all about the story of Netaji and his glorious I.N.A. Hindu-Muslim-Sikh-Christian who were fighting each other for religious matter a few days ago, but now the integrity of I.N.A changed all. They stood all for the cause of saving the armies of I.N.A.

The all time loyal Indian army also stood against the trial. Gradually the Indian services came to have a certain sympathy with the popular clamor about the I.N.A, which was raised in India.

The influence of I.N.A on the loyal Indian army can be highlighted from the incidents happened with Major General Shahnawaz Khan and Col. Sahgal.

While bringing Major General Shahnawaz khan in Delhi from Calcutta in train, there was a number of Indian army was guarding him . the next day when the Indian Subedhar asked him, he told him the story of I.N.A in short. Hearing him, the Indian subedhar ordered his men immediately to say sorry for their bad behavior with Shahnawaz khan and also to take put the bullets from their guns.

The incident of Col. Sahgal was more shocking, when the muslim officer came to know the history of I.N.A, he told Col. Sahgal that he and his men would ready to join I.N.A after killing the two British officers present in the truck if he wish. However, he refused the proposal.

Ii In the words of Major G.S. Dhillon, “During the War the British had succeeded in keeping the I.N.A. actions and even the name of the Indian National Army a well guarded secret.  They could not keep that secret anymore.  Soldiers coming home after the War had gone through a complete psychological revolution when the brother did shed brother’s blood on either side in the battle-field on lands abroad.  The Indian soldier had seen the I.N.A. fight against the British guns with rifles, and tanks with bullock carts and the aircrafts with empty stomachs in tattered uniforms.  As if that was not enough the British victorious officers and men in the towns of Singapore, Malaya, Thailand and Burma, were greeted with “JAI HIND’ by boys and girls of Balak Sena Greetings of “JAI HIND’ meaning “Victory to India” made the soldiers of the Indian Army pause and ponder as to what did they fight for?  For their bread or for the British?  Thus when we, the soldiers of the I.N.A., were prisoners behind the

gates of various jails and detention camps  tiny lots of Netaji’s Balak Sena were still in the field shouting JAI HIND. The British had no weapon which could be used against the Balak Sena.”

The situation of India became more difficult when on 25th September, the British murdered five I.N.A army men in Nilganj, several were seriously wounded in this attack. People came down in roads to protest such injustice, started strike on various areas. The employees of post offices and aero planes also followed them. The Gorkha regiment, which was famous for their loyalty to the British, also went for mutiny. The continuous ignorance from British army for them already mentally destroy them and now the rising respect in people for I.N.A bound them to shake hand with their country men and fight for the interest of their country.

The growing popularity of Netaji Subash and I.N.A became a problem for I.N.C. in last three years, where the I.N.A made history, the congress had done nothing except praising Mr. Jinnah and Muslim league. The congress leaders then got a new way, they stood for the I.N.A members. Congress propagandists to glorify the right of rebel against foreign rule used the I.N.A trials.

Jawaharlal Nehru, the so called socialist who was constantly advocating that the trial of Netaji Subash should as a normal war criminal, now supporting I.N.A. the last of power had brought the changes in him, he did not want to be a villain in eyes of people of India.

The I.N.A defence committee was formed in due time with its six members namely Jawaharlal Nehru, Asof Ali, Vulabhai Desai, Kailashnath Katju, Tejbahadur Sopru nd Rogunandan Shoron.

Through the way of fighting of I.N.A was completely different than that of National Congress. It was said that the object was since same, the National Congress was supporting I.N.A.

The scenario of the country for the red fort trial was completely different from any other trial. It seemed the India was standing against the injustice of Britain. Not only in India, London, Washington else where it was all about the influence of I.N.A. the strong influence of I.N.A on Indian people can be highlighted by a single statement of British Prime minister Mr. Attlee, “we were sitting on the top of the volcano”. It was alarming for the future of India, the I.N.A affair was threatening to tumble down the whole edifice of the Indian army and the mass people.

In the words of Indian night angle Sorajni Nairu, “ Subash was a flaming sword…………….If I were asked to choose three sons, I would have unhesitatingly chosen Shahnawaz, Sehgal and Dhillon.”

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The hypnotism of the I.N.A has cast its spell upon us”

In the words of Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramai “………………Overshadowed the names of national leaders. It looked as through the I.N.A . itself eclipsed the Indian National Congress and the exploits of war and violence abroad threw into obscurity the victorious of non-violence at home.”

The true picture of the glorious feat of the I.N.A got revealed in the historic trial of the officers and soldiers of the I.N.A in the Red Fort at Delhi in December 1945. the entire country went delirious with joy to hear more and more of the historic deeds of I.N.A. it was beyond their expectation that an army consisting of Indians, leaded by Indian came so near to them and return back.

At last the day of 5 November came. All was waiting for the verdict of the British Empire. I.N.A started their fight with the dream to reach Red Fort, through they reached Red Fort but unfortunately as war criminal. On the same date on Maulana Abul Kalam’s ‘I.N.A day’ was celebrated throughout the country. There were all about meetings, strike, slogans protesting the injustice of British on I.N.A.

Here in Red Fort, when three officers were going to court, the rest of the men of I.N.A started giving slogans “Jai hind”, “Netaji Zindabad”, in response Major Dhillon also made the same slogan. One British officer hearing his slogan pushed him and ordered him to keep silence. Major Dhillon in reply warned the Officer not to do the same again, he again pushed Major, now tiger replied not with his words but with his hands. the British officer was shouting for help but neither the two other British officers nor the Gurkha army men came forward to help him. At last Col. Sahgal came in between the two and separated them.

The lawyers appointed for saving the I.N.A officers were 17 leaded by Vulabhai Desai. the first witness being called upon in the court was Lt. D.C.Nag. he placed his saying in front of the court that the I.N.A was a free Government. They were not fighting under Japanese army but fighting to free their motherland.

The next date of hearings was on 21st November. In the mean time the whole India stood against the British under the banner of the I.N.A. no matter whether the religion, the cast they stood up shoulder to shoulder against the injustice. Jawaharlal Nehru, the cleverest of national level, finding the support of people for I.N.A, appealed for overall revolt, “…………it was India’s duty to revolt and if the country was not prepared for a revolution to free itself it was a dead nation.”

The hearing started again on 21st November. In the mean time, the fire of revolution spread through Calcutta, Bombay, Allahbad, Benaras, Patna, Rawalpindi and other parts of country. People participating spontaneously in the revolt against the British. “Do or Die.” Police for stoping the people started all that they could, firing, lath charge nothing was excluded. They had done it previously but now things were changed, people also stared reply them. It was all about the influence of I.N.A.

In court Vulabhai Desai in spite of his old age and illness was doing the best that he could do for to save the I.N.A. he questioned on court, “ the honor and the law of the national Army are on trial before this court, and the right to wage war with immunity on the part of a subject race for their liberation………..

When you are nominally fighting against the King but really fighting to liberate the country, then the point is whether the question of allegiance can arise at all. Unless you sell your soul, how can you ever say that the when you are fighting to liberate your own country, there is some other allegiance which prevents you from so doing……if that happens there is nothing but permanent slavery.”

The verdict of the court was that the I.N.A officers should be sent behind the prison for life long time, but later on the special order of the field marshal Klod Okinlake, the three of them were free.

The reason of the special order of the field marshal was a ‘secret’ latter of Lord Owavel sent to him. There was no sympathy for the I.N.A officers in the mind of British officers but the fear that if three were punished the whole India would stood up surely against them. In the words of the field marshal, “there is a growing feeling of sympathy for the I.N.A and an increasing tendency to disregard he brutalities committed by some of its member as well as the foreswearing by all of them of original allegiance.

It is impossible to apply our standards of ethics to this problem or to shape our policy as we would, had the I.N.A been of our race.”

The field marshal also sent a secret massage to the British officers in India to stay alert. At anytime anything can be happened. The situation of India was not at all good for them. The I.N.A changed the thinking of people of India, they started to believe on their strength. The country was awakening after 200 years long slavery.

The mutiny of Indian army was in the mind of Lord Owavel, he said, “it would be unwise to try the Indian Army too highly in the suppression of their own people , and as time went on the loyalty of even the Indian officials, the Indian Army and the police might become problematical.”

On 4thJanuary, 1946 all three officers of I.N.A was set free. But on 7th February, Captain Roshid Ali was sent behind the prison for 7 years. On 7th February, a news was published in the dailies which shocked the country. Many I.N.A officer was hand without any trial in various parts of the country. Some of them were:

Name date of hanging place

1. Chottar Singh 29.7.1944Delhi

2.Nazir Singh do do

3.Captain Durgamol 25.8.1944 do

4. Hajra Singh 25.10.1944 Red fort

5. Sarder Singh (bahadur Group) 23.3.1945 calcutta

6.Noginder Singh ( do ) 28.8.1943

7. Keshori Chand Singh 3.5.1945Delhi

8. Choran Singh 28.8.1943 Multan

9. Captain Dol Bahadur Thapa 3.5.1945Delhi

10. Captain Dolbara Singh 3.5.1945 do

11. Chomon Singh do

12. Gurucharan Singh firing squared

13. Pritam Singh

14. Khondder

15. Kortar Singh 4.12.1945Shialkoat

16. Ramu Thaber 7.7.1944

17. T.P. Kumaran

18. Ramswami

19. Ajaib Singh Red fort

20. Johur Ahmad 23.8.1943

Hearing the news it seemed a storm had blown over the people. The New York Times warned , “Although the I.N.A has been disbanded following the futile attempt to liberate India with Japanese support , it is still an explosive issue and more emotionally surcharged than any to be found here………..This issue……..now appears certain to play a vital and perhaps violent part in Indian politics……..”

The worming was not at all empty. On 11th February Muslim League celebrated “Roshid Ali Day”” in India. Both the leaders of National Congress and Muslim League came forward to lead the revolt. It was nothing but the publicity stands of the national leaders. They still wanted to remain loyal to the British. But the mass people was greatly inspired

by the thinking and activities of I.N.A. It was all about “do or die.” In spite of the uncompromising struggle between the two factions, last week, for the first time since 1921, Moslems and Hindus together staged street protests and riots against the British in Calcutta, Bombay, and New Delhi. The situation became for difficult when Foteh Khan and Singara Singh of I.N.A was given death sentences in a trial Puran Singh was also sent in Jail for 7 years.

In the mean time the historic navel mutinies started in various ports of the country. It was about the influence of the ideologies of I.N.A and their leader Netaji Subash. All total 78 ships of various descriptions stationed in Bombay, Karachi, Madras and other ports joined the mutiny( that time there were only 10 ships under the control of white’s). Through there were every possibility of the success of the mutiny, the selfish nation level leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Bollobbhai Patel, Aruna Asof, Jinnah converted it in a fail mutiny.” In the words of Mr. Modan Singh, one of the supreme leader of the mutiny, “Oh my beloved countrymen! See our national leaders. They are nothing but the traitors of our motherland; see them-see them- see them”.

It was all about the lust for power of national level leaders of Muslim League and national congress that lead the mutiny in futile. The congress condemned the civilian disturbances of February 1946 and withdraws its support from the mutiny of the ratings. This was mainly because the congress High Command expected the transfer of power to be peaceful.

The growing opposition of people from all level made it clear for the whites that they would not last long in this country. Behind all that opposition and protest, I.N.A played the greatest role. The dream of Rashbihari Bose, Subash Chandra Bose and crore of people of India and Indians throughout the world came to in vision. At last on 15th

August, 1947 country achieved freedom from the hands of British but it was divided in two parts Pakistan and India.

Treatment of I.N.A members in free India

Within India, the INA continued to have a strong hold over the public psyche and the sentiments of the armed forces after 1947. However, they never got the reorganization for their movement, for their sacrifice. Through some of them were become popular in free India but most of the members of the I.N.A lost in the free India. The partition of united India separated the I.N.A members; again, the shameless politics of congress leaders deprived them from what they actually deserved in free India. Some have said that Shah Nawaz Khan was instrumental in organizing INA troops to train Congress volunteers on Nehru's request in late 1946 and early 1947. After 1947, some accounts suggest that the INA-veterans were involved in training civilian resistance forces against the Nizam's Razakars prior to the execution of Operation Polo and annexation of Hyderabad. There are also mentions of some INA veterans leading Pakistani irregulars during the First Kashmir war.

INA-veterans were not allowed to join the Indian Army or any job in a government office after India's independence in August 1947. However, a few ex-INA members, notably the most prominent members or those closely associated with Subhas Bose or with the INA trials later have seen prominent public life or held important positions in independent India.

Shah Nawaz Khan served as a Minister of State for Rail in the First Indian cabinet. Lakshmi Sahgal, Minister for Women's affairs in the Azad Hind Government, is a well-known and widely respected public figure in India. In 1971, she joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and was later elected the leader of the All India Democratic Women's Association. In 2002, the Communist bloc’s

for the post of President of India also nominated her, when she lost to the candidature of Abdul Kalam. Abid Hasan, Subhas Bose's sole Indian companion in the U-Boat from Germany to South-east Asia, joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1948 and served as the Indian Ambassador to a number of countries including Egypt and Denmark. Mohan Singh served for two terms in the Rajya Sabha of the Indian Parliament as a member of the Indian National Congress. Ram Singh Thakur, composer of a number of songs including the INA's regimental march Kadam Badaye Ja, later composed the tune for the Indian National Anthem.

Amongst the very few ex-INA members who joined the Indian Armed Forces after 1947 was R S Benegal, a member of the Tokyo Boys who was allowed to join the Indian Air Force in 1952 and later rose to be an Air Commodore. Benegal saw action in both the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak war, earning a Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest award for velour.

The Indian Government later awarded a few members, including Gurubaksh Singh Dhillon and Lakshmi Sahgal civilian honors of Padma Vibhushan in the 1990s. Subhas Bose himself was posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna in 1992 but this was later withdrawn over the controversy over the circumstances of his death. (Which is now proved that the day of 18 August, there was no plain crash in Formosa, It is said that Netaji started his most desired spiritual life in an unknown place of India after the Independence of India)

Netaji saluting the memorial statue of I.N.A

Through the members of the I.N.A paid the highest price for the pride of their motherland and perform their duty more efficiently than any other for the freedom of India, but in free India their contribution and sacrifice was never got the reorganization they and their movement deserved. It was only because of the selfish politics of the Jawaharlal Nehru and other congress leaders. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the leader of I.N.A was the most worthy candidate for being the first prime minister of free India and I.N.A since did not take the way of congress leaders i.e. prayer, please and petition but got the desired success which the congress leader never got, out of zealous of Netaji and I.N.A, the national leaders was never ready to recognize the great sacrifice of the I.N.A members. They paid the price of implementing their dream of living in a free nation by their blood but in return the got nothing. They were not allowed to take any government job; they were deprived from the minimum facilities of living in a free nation. Jawaharlal Nehru and the other congress leaders played the naked and shameless game of power politics. The real heroes of India through able to implement their dream but remains unknown to their fellow citizens. Their story of bravery which may not find in anywhere in world history remains untold. In the words of Lionard Mosle,” But for Nehru and Patel and all

the congressmen yearning for the fruits of power, the carrot Mountbatten dangled in front of their noses was too delectable to be refused. They gobbled it down.” In India, it is said that the freedom was received by the way of non-violence and nothing else, if it so then what is I.N.A? Why they gave their blood? Why more than 27000 people accepted the death in war against the British? In schools the story how the british devided the Indians on the besis of religion it is said but the story of how the I.N.A members under the leader Why I.N.A never got the reorganization, they deserve in free India? Why, why, why????? If they were then allowed to enter all the fields of public life, the political system would be not the same. It can surely say that the selfishness would replace by selflessness, the corruption would replaced by patriotism. There would be no riot in between the religions. There would be no place for the defective bureaucratic system in India. And most importantly the young generation of country would surely not move in such a idleness way.

REFERENCES: “Aami Subash bolchi”-Sailesh Dey

The glorious Azad-Hind-Fouz

Jai hind

Dedicated towards The great sacrifices made by the Indian National Army

Jai Hind